What happens if you tear or injure your Frenulum?

The frenulum is the piece of skin that attaches the foreskin to the head of the penis (glans penis). In some men, this part may be short or tight. During intercourse it may be at higher risk of getting torn. 

I feel pain and there is bleeding, did I injure or tear my frenulum?

One of the most common symptoms of a torn frenulum is pain with or without bleeding. It may appear very shocking or scary as blood may be dripping or it may cause a very messy situation in the bedroom.

Common causes for Frenulum injuries/ tear

These tears or injuries are basically caused by a sudden or strong pulling back the foreskin. This causes a strong tension in the frenulum causing it to tear or get injured. This usually occur during intercourse or aggressive masturbation.

How long does it take for it to heal?

Generally if left alone, it takes around 1-2 weeks for it to heal completely. Rate of healing varies between men. If there is any bleeding, it usually stops on its own. If still bleeding, one may need to apply pressure for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.

Treatment options

Conservative: It can heal on its own but will take some time. Even if healed, it will develop a scar and this causes thickening of the frenulum. When thickened, it will become even tighter and hence higher risk of it tearing again. Most of my patients who came to see me report the tears happening several times.

Medical treatment: There is no medical treatment for a torn frenulum. Antibiotic cream may be applied to prevent infection.Surgical: In some cases, pain or bleeding may not stop on its own. In certain instances it may repair with sutures by a medical doctor. This depends on the severity and anatomy of the injury.

How do I avoid getting a Frenulum injury/ tear?

Men with short frenulum or frenulum breve are at higher risk of renulum tears. So the key here to lengthen the frenulum

Conservative: Can try regular stretching of the foreskin and frenulum but this is usually not very useful or successful.

Frenulectomy: This is a simple procedure where the frenulum is cut to release the tension and lengthen the space between the foreskin and the head. The remaining tissue is then stitched together to avoid bleeding and promote faster healing. After this procedure is done, the foreskin can easily move back and forth without risk of tearing the frenulum.

Circumcision: For some men, a frenulectomy procedure may not be enough. They may also have tight foreskin (phimosis) on top of a tight frenulum. This procedure will be able to solve both problems of phimosis and tight frenulum. Circumcision in adults is a simple procedure and can be done at any age. There is no age limit to this procedure.

So if you experience any torn frenulum or pain and or bleeding at the frenulum, do consult your doctor. He will have to first do an assessment and physical examination so that he can advice which more of treatment is best for you.